Returned child benefit, should I mention this for ILR appl

[Ram T]

Gurus, request urgent help.
I was mistakenly claiming child benefit till recently. Upon realising this I called the child benefit team and have paid the money back. I am awaiting the receipt/acknowledgement from them. All I have is an email confirming that the payment has been received.

I am applying for Ilr in person next week. Questions:
1. Set(o) form only asks if I am receiving any public funds. My answer to this would be No, as I am currently not receiving any funds. Am I right in this?
2. Do I have to put a covering letter along with my application explaining about the child benefit issue and also attach the email copy?

[geriatrix]

What is your current immigration category?
When does your current leave expire?
Are you applying in person? If so, when?

[Ram T]

I am a WP holder. My current leave expires on 2.12.12
I am applying in person on 19.11.12

[Ram T]

Hello sushdmehta,

Can you help me here please?

Regards

[geriatrix]

1. Yes.
2. Yes. Yes.

Don't be surprised if the caseworker defers a decision on your application subject to verification on the case from HMRC.

[Good]

Gurus, request urgent help.
I was mistakenly claiming child benefit till recently. Upon realising this I called the child benefit team and have paid the money back. I am awaiting the receipt/acknowledgement from them. All I have is an email confirming that the payment has been received.

I am applying for Ilr in person next week. Questions:
1. Set(o) form only asks if I am receiving any public funds. My answer to this would be No, as I am currently not receiving any funds. Am I right in this?
2. Do I have to put a covering letter along with my application explaining about the child benefit issue and also attach the email copy?

My sister had a similar case where she had mistakenly applied for Child credit (not child benefit) when she was here on a student visa but very soon she realised it and returned the money to HMRC and asked them to confirm them in writing. HMRC issued her a statement showing "0" balance. She then got her work permit and applied for her ILR last year in person through a legal advisor. The answered your question 1 as "no" as at the time of the application she was not getting any benefits.
2. The legal advisor kept a copy of the statement showing "0" balance in case it was raised but did not mention it anywhere in the application form and advised that sometime it's better not to rock the boat. But also said not to lie if asked so he kept the documents handy. Nothing was asked. Don't know whether it was due to them being OISC registered legal firm or HO not having enough time to do all the necessary checks for same day applications.

Thought to share this with you. Good Luck

[Ram T]

1. Yes.
2. Yes. Yes.

Don't be surprised if the caseworker defers a decision on your application subject to verification on the case from HMRC.

Sushdmehta, how long can they defer the case for? My wife's dependant visa will also expire on 2.2.12! Yesterday, I called the child benefit team and the lady faxed me a letter stating that I have paid them the overpayment money. However, the letter does not state that the account is closed. She said such a letter will be given only after they finish all formalities from their end.

Good - many thanks for sharing your sister's experience. I called the HO enquiry and they said it would be better to state the fact that I have claimed child benefit in the past. I think as its very recent, it would look wrong to not state it.

[Ram T]

I received my ILR! I called the home office and got told that I should take all supporting docs for the child benefit, but present it only when asked. I did as told, but never got asked!

Thanks for all your help, I got a lot of courage from your responses.

[Good]

I received my ILR! I called the home office and got told that I should take all supporting docs for the child benefit, but present it only when asked. I did as told, but never got asked!

Thanks for all your help, I got a lot of courage from your responses.

Congratulations Ram T, it's aways good to double check your queries with the HO and keep calling them until you get a satisfactory reply. You will realise that you get different answer each time. Unfortunately not every case worker has the same depth of knowledge. Anyways, you have a party this weekend!

[samrobert]

Thanks Ram T for sharing your case. I am also currently sailing in the same boat any help from your side will bring confidence.
1. So, finally did you reveal or told them by your own to PEO case worker that you have claimed the child benefit or did you remain silent about this fact and waited for case worker to ask.
2. What was the mode of payment you have chosen to paid back the amount to HMRC , did you selected the fastest mode of payment if not what is the fastest way to pay.
3. How many days in Total it took from Day 1 till end with HMRC getting all this done. I hope you have called first to stop your child benefit, did they ask you to send your passport to them for verification.
4. What kind of letters you have taken as proof from them. Does they fast in responding.
5. Also, on which number you have called HO to check for child benefit discussion.

Many thanks for your time and help in this regard.

[nivas]

Gurus, request urgent help.
I was mistakenly claiming child benefit till recently. Upon realising this I called the child benefit team and have paid the money back. I am awaiting the receipt/acknowledgement from them. All I have is an email confirming that the payment has been received.

I am applying for Ilr in person next week. Questions:
1. Set(o) form only asks if I am receiving any public funds. My answer to this would be No, as I am currently not receiving any funds. Am I right in this?
2. Do I have to put a covering letter along with my application explaining about the child benefit issue and also attach the email copy?

Hi Ram, Can u Pls help my problem..Now, I am in the same boat..With out knowledge i claimed child benefit..
Now, I would like to pay back..I called to HMRC, and explained, but they said, they are sending letter to head office..How I have to deal with this?

Pls suggest me..

Thanks
Nivas